South Korea Sues Google

The top Internet search engine in South Korea asked the country's antitrust regulator to investigate whether Google restricts competition in the mobile search market. NHN Corporation filed the complaint with South Korea's Fair Trade Commission. They claim that Google restricts competition by imposing restrictions on local mobile service providers and smartphone manufacturers that have adopted its Android operating system. Google claims that it has done nothing wrong and that companies it partners with are free to decide which services they wish to include on their phones.

I'm sure Google gets sued all the time, so they aren't too worried. I agree that companies can choose what services to use on their phones, and why wouldn't you use Google? The largest and most popular search engine would definitely be my choice!

Underground Illegals in Moscow

Today I read an article about an underground bomb shelter in Moscow that the police discovered full of illegal immigrants from Central Asia. In a 200 square meter shelter, there was around 110 people. That is not much space! The underground shelter had rooms, bathrooms, and even a prayer room. The people living down there were manufacturing blades and needles for sewing machines. The migrants will probably be deported and the owner of the sewing machine factory may be charged with organizing illegal migration.

It would be horrible to live in a bomb shelter! Being underground would not be fun! I wonder how they got down there. It must have been the factory owner, I guess. It is sad they are being deported, but living underground can't be great either.

iPads + Children = Lawsuit

I just read an article that is not technically involving international law, but it was very interesting. Apparently Apple is being sued for the ease in which a child can purchase an app on an iPad or iPhone. The lead plaintiff in the case alleges that his 9 year-old daughter racked $200 in charges on her iPad. This is not the first time Apple has had an issue over their purchase policy. The FTC was asked by Congress last February to go over their policies.

It blows my mind that Apple is being sued for having a very simple purchase program. In my opinion, it is nice that I can quickly purchase apps without any hassle. If parents allow their children to play with iPads and iPhones they should make it clear that they are not allowed to make purchases.

Syria's Emergency Laws

For the last 48 years, Syria has had multiple emergency laws in place that gave state security forces extraordinary powers to arrest and detain people without any charges. The government however has stated that they will be immediately replaced by new anti-terrorism legislation. Over the last month, Syria has seen a massive increase in demonstrations, mainly against these emergency laws. Only time will tell if this will appease the protesters.

It is crazy to me that Syria has been under emergency laws for so long. It seems like enacting an emergency law would be a temporary thing, not something that would last almost half a century! It will be interesting to see how the protesters in the country will take this news.

Algeria President Vows Reform

I just read an article about a speech given by the President of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika. He has been ruler of Algeria for 12 years and now vows to increase democracy in his nation. He has promised constitutional reforms and high unemployment, among other measures to ward off the kind of civil unrest that has swept across the Arab world. In order to do this, Bouteflika will hire a commission of constitutional law experts to draft the necessary amendments.

Algeria is right next to Libya and Egypt, which is probably what has spurred this President to promise reformation. I imagine most countries in that area are worried about citizen uprisings. It is amazing how Tanzania has set off a chain reaction of uprisings in Africa.

Croatian Military Leaders Convicted

In this article two prominent Croatian military leaders have been convicted of committing war crimes against Serbs during the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. They were tried in the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. Ante Gotovina was sentenced to 24 years and Mladen Markac was sentenced to 18 years. They were convicted of a variety of charges including war crimes, murder, inhuman acts, and forced deportations.

I am always glad to hear that the ICC is doing its job and charging war criminals. Many times countries give their leaders immunity or wont surrender them to the ICC. Not this time, though. It shows military leaders that if they commit crimes, they will be charged.

Nazi Cake

I read an article recently about a baker in Austria that was caught decorating cakes with swastika signs. Apparently in Austria, it is against the law to use any Nazi symbols. The baker issued an apology and met with the head of the Austria Mauthausen Committee (MKOe). MKOe gave him a book about the Mauthausen concentration camp and the baker decorated a cake for them covered in Jewish and Christian symbols.

I was unaware it was illegal to use Nazi symbols in Austria, but I think it is a great idea. Using Nazi symbols is disrespectful to those that suffered during the Third Reich. I wonder if Germany or any neighboring countries have laws like this one.

Ireland Financial Crisis

According to this article Ireland is currently facing one of the world's worst financial crises. In November, the EU, International Monetary Fund, and the European Central Bank are going to allow Ireland to receive a $6.48 billion credit line. They also authorized the country to put $24 billion into their banks. The purpose of this loan is to reestablish consumer confidence in Ireland's banks. Also Ireland will simultaneously cut in half the tax it makes employers pay for each employee earning minimum wage.

I had no idea Ireland was currently in a financial crisis. I am about to go live there for a month, so you would think I would know this! Hopefully everything works out for them!